There are tomatoes, and then there are heirloom tomatoes — the kind that barely need anything at all. When the tomatoes are this good, the best thing you can do is get out of their way.
Our Heirloom Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwich takes its inspiration from the Southern United States, where pimento cheese is practically its own food group. Creamy, sharp, savoury and just a little smoky, pimento cheese is the perfect foil for juicy, salty-sweet tomatoes and crisp toasted bread.
Don’t Rush the Process
It’s a simple sandwich, but there is a little kitchen wisdom tucked into it. Salt the tomatoes and let them stand before assembling. They release some of their excess moisture, concentrating their flavour and keeping all those excess tomato juices from turning your sandwich into soup.
As it is, it’s a messy meal. I love that.
And the pimento cheese? Give it time. At least two hours in the refrigerator allows the cheddar, pimentos and seasonings to settle into each other and the spread to firm up. It gets better as it sits — which is exactly what you want from a sandwich filling.
A Southern-Inspired Sandwich with Serious Tomato Energy
Pimento cheese is deeply associated with Southern American cooking. Here, its rich, creamy texture and sharp cheddar flavour are a natural match for peak-season tomatoes.
The important thing is to let the tomatoes be tomatoes. When you have truly spectacular local heirlooms, there is no need for complicated sauces or seventeen other ingredients competing for attention. Toasted sourdough, seasoned tomato and pimento cheese are enough.
Exactly the kind of sandwich that belongs in the International Sandwiches Mini Series: a familiar format, a different culinary point of view, and a flavour combination that may not be part of your regular sandwich rotation.
Leftover Pimento Cheese? Make Dip.
If you have leftover pimento cheese can be turned straight into a snack. Serve it chilled with crackers, celery, cucumber, carrots or toasted sourdough.
Or spread it onto soft white bread, trim those crusts and you’re ready for The Masters. Use it as a filling for grilled cheese. Or serve it alongside a platter of vegetables for entertaining.
Why I Love It
This is one of those sandwiches that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something memorable.
The combination of beautiful tomatoes, good sourdough, sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, tangy pimentos, smoked paprika and cayenne gives the spread plenty of personality without overwhelming your gorgeous heirloom tomatoes.
It’s also excellent make-ahead solution to lunch. Make the pimento cheese in the morning, toss it in the fridge, and lunch is practically done. Any leftovers; serve as a dip with crackers, vegetables or toasted bread — and yes, it has a retro 1970s party-food energy. I dig that, Man.
Print
Heirloom Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwich
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: serves 6 to 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heirloom Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwich inspired by the Southern cooking, with sharp cheddar, creamy pimentos and spectacular fresh tomatoes on toasted sourdough. Messy, but AMAZING.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup well-drained pimentos
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches
- Sourdough bread, sliced
- Ripe local heirloom tomatoes
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Butter or olive oil, for toasting the bread (optional)
Instructions
Make the Pimento Cheese
- Beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Add the grated extra-sharp cheddar, drained pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and cayenne.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This gives the spread time to firm up and allows the flavours to meld.
- Bring it out of the refrigerator for a few minutes before assembling if it has become very firm.
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick slices.
- Arrange them in a single layer and season lightly with kosher salt.
- Let them stand for about 15–20 minutes.
- Gently blot away the excess moisture before assembling the sandwiches.
Build the Sandwiches
- Toast the sourdough until crisp and golden.
- Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese over one side of each slice.
- Add the salted, drained heirloom tomato slices.
- Season with a little freshly ground black pepper if you like.
- Top with the second slice of toasted sourdough and serve immediately.
Notes
About salting and standing your tomatoes:
This little step makes a surprisingly big difference. Salting draws out some of the tomato’s excess water while concentrating its natural flavour. It also gives the pimento cheese a better chance of staying put between the bread.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes + 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwhich
- Method: toasting
- Cuisine: American
